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Why do you choose organic?

The organic movement continues to go from strength to strength, with increasing number of people choosing organic fruit & veg,certified organic skin care and organic clothing and bedding every year.

But have you ever wondered exactly WHY so many people are going organic? Those who dismissed it as a fad are having to eat their words, because the organic movement is not a trend: it's a way of life and it's here to stay.

Why choose organic FOOD?

A 2013 report by the British Soil Association revealed the following statistics about why people choose to eat organic food:

55% for health reasons

53% to avoid chemical residues

44% care for the environment

35% prefer the taste of organic food

31% choose organic food for animal welfare

So WHY is organic food healthier? Researchers have found it's higher in antioxidants and has lower levels of toxic metals and pesticides than conventionally produced food.

The reason it's higher in antioxidants is that plants produce antioxidant compounds to protect themselves from pests, so the higher levels may be due to their lack of protection from pesticides. Also, organic varieties are bred to be tough and are not overfed with artificial fertilisers.

Why choose organic SKIN CARE?

It is common knowledge that many chemicals penetrate the skin barrier and are absorbed into the bloodstream. Think nicotine patches. Applying skin care products that contain potentially dangerous toxins such as phthalates and parabens to your skin every day will give you a measured dose of chemicals your body won't thank you for.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says: "It is estimated that more than 13 million workers in the United States are potentially exposed to chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin." So anyone who tells you not to worry about what's in your skin care products because it can't be absorbed into the bloodstream is sadly mistaken.

The rate of dermal absorption depends largely on the outer layer of the skin called the stratum corneum (SC). The SC serves an important barrier function by keeping molecules from passing into and out of the skin, thus protecting the lower layers of skin. The extent of absorption is dependent on the following factors:

Skin integrity (damaged vs. intact)

Location of exposure (thickness and water content of stratum corneum; skin temperature)

Physical and chemical properties of the hazardous substance

Concentration of a chemical on the skin surface

Duration of exposure

The surface area of skin exposed to a hazardous substance

Since we know that many chemicals can and do enter the bloodstream when applied to the skin, many health-conscious consumers choose to buy only certified organic skin care products such as Mukti Organics for peace of mind (and to save the hassle of constantly checking labels for long lists of chemicals).

The most important skin care products and cosmetics to buy certified organic are anything you soak in (like bubble bath), anything you apply and don't wash off (moisturiser, body lotion, oils), shampoo and conditioner (yes, you rinse it off but it washes all over your body), deodorant and of course, any products you use on children and babies.

Why choose organic clothing?

Cotton seems like a lovely, natural fabric. But it's actually one of the world's dirtiest crops.

Cotton attracts a wide array of damaging insects and is therefore one of the most pesticide-dependent crops in the world. Nine out of 10 pesticides used in cotton farming are classified as moderately to acutely toxic and three are ranked by the World Health Organisation as among the most dangerous to human health.

The US Environmental Protection Agency considers seven of the top 15 pesticides used on cotton in the United States as human carcinogens (acephate, dichloropropene, diuron, fluometuron, pendimethalin, tribufos, and trifluralin).

These poisons contaminate the air, soil and water and traces are left behind in the fabric.

Organic cotton is grown without pesticides using soil-enhancing methods such as crop rotation. Beneficial insects, trap crops and other harmless methods are used to ward off weeds and insects. Using low-impact harvesting and natural dyeing methods, as well as adhering to Fair Trade principles, are required for the product to be certified organic.

Many concerned parents choose organic cotton clothing for their babies these days, and it stands to reason. Cotton is considered the best fabric for baby clothing and bedding as it breathes, it absorbs moisture, helps the baby maintain a regular temperature, is non-allergenic, durable and nice and soft.

And with so many pesticides and insecticides being used in conventional cotton farming, you wouldn't want anything other than organic cotton touching your baby's beautiful skin.

It's also a good idea for older children and adults but it can get expensive. At least aim to buy organic cotton bedding (sheets, doonas and mattresses) to ensure your sleeping environment is natural and toxin-free, since you spend a third of your life in the sack!

Which products do you insist on buying organic?

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Hi, I'm Mukti, the founder and creator of Mukti Organics. My aim is to assist you in achieving beautiful, radiant skin without using products containing toxic chemicals. Certified organic skin care is better for you, your family and our planet. Click here to sign up and receive 15% off your first order. Signing up and commenting on our blog posts enters you into our bimonthly draw to receive $150 worth of products of your choice.